The bell was removed after the storm that ravaged Taranaki in February 2004 damaged the tower and the spire to the point of collapsing.
The church was restored using the original architectural designs and the same materials where possible.
The belfry and steeple, which are 17m above the tower and together weigh four tonnes, were put in place by crane and reassembled in June.
“It’s a huge project for a small town church, and we’re very pleased with everything we’ve achieved,” says Jim Newlove of the Restoration Committee.
Following the storm, only a small insurance claim was allowed because an assessment suggested the damage was caused more by rotten timber in the structure than the gales themselves.
The church’s congregation raised $230,000 through the sale of parish land, the Wanganui Community Trust, local fundraising and $135,000 from the NZ Lottery Grants Board.
